Album Review: Wade Bowen "Live At Billy Bob's Texas"

Over the past seven months, more than 100 live country albums have been released. However, "Live At Billy Bob's Texas" by Wade Bowen is the best live album of 2010 by a mile. The three discs (2 CDs and 1 DVD) are country music perfection.

The first CD begins with "You Had Me At My Best," which showcases Bowen's laid-back signature sound. However, the live album really takes off with the new Texas country classic "One Step Closer," and the Red Dirt star oozes country charm on "Get Away."

The best song on CD 1 is probably "Lay It All On You," but the intense performance of "Red Headed Woman" is a close second. "Daddy And The Devil" continues the stellar set and is followed by the terrific "If We Ever Make It Home."

The second CD begins with a rockin' "Nobody's Fool," but it is the passionate intensity of "Walkin' Along The Fenceline" that steals the show. Bowen's vocals have never sounded better, and the production of the live cut is superb. The next track "Turn On The Lights" continues the winning streak, and Bowen's powerful performance proves why he is top of the heap in Texas music.

"God Bless This Town" gets the blood pumping, and the crowd-favorite "Please Come To Boston" is the perfect chaser for "God Bless This Town." Again, the production is top-notch, and the harmonic melody is pitch perfect. "Ghost In This Town" also deserves special attention.

The album contains two bonus studio tracks. The first, "Bottle Into Gold," offers powerful lyrics and a great vocal performance. This cut would be perfect for the end credits of a motion picture soundtrack, and audiences have already embraced the intensely personal track. Texas radio has also made the second studio cut "Matches" a Red Dirt hit.

Wade Bowen never fails to impress, and "Live At Billy Bob's Texas" is a crowning achievement that deserves widespread critical acclaim and mainstream country chart success. With a live album this good, it's crystal clear that Wade Bowen is king of the road. So run - don't walk - to the next Wade Bowen concert. By the way, the music industry owes King Wade a crown - or at least a Grammy or two. CountryChart.com

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